A LIGHT THAT NEVER GOES OUT by Lauri-Matti Parppei

Pressbook   Trailer

After a breakdown, classical flute player Pauli (29), returns to his small Finnish hometown to recover at his parents' house. Unable to play his instrument, he struggles with feelings of failure. Pauli runs into Iiris, an old classmate who still lives in town and makes experimental music by herself. Iiris starts persuading him to try and make some music together, and she’s convinced that by joining forces, they’d be able to create something completely new and unique. Her chaotic energy fascinates Pauli, who has been striving for perfection and avoided mistakes all his life. Little by little he starts finding new comfort and solace in their weird sonic experiments. As old pressures resurface, Pauli faces difficult choices about his future and the friendships that have given him new hope.

World premiere in ACID Cannes 2025

"(one) of the most interesting films in Cannes" - Philip Oltermann THE GUARDIAN

"takes audiences on a journey of struggles and laughs"
"The filmmaker may have set the movie in a Finnish location known to few but the universal story rings a bell on alienation and the healing powers of community that seems fit to strike a chord with audiences far beyond Finland."
- Georg Szalai THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER

"An unexpected crowd-pleaser."
"A joyous ode to amateur musicians and the fun to be had in making art with your friends."
"A Light That Never Goes Out immediately positions Lauri-Matti Parppei and his cast as some of the most promising new talent in Nordic cinema" - ICS

"A Light That Never Goes Out is an engaging and radiant first work of cinema."
"This fascinating odyssey through the thwarted psyche of a genius flautist and experimental music is a true cinematic and musical achievement." - Laurent Cambona aVOIR aLIRE

Cast
Samuel Kujala - Pauli / Anna Rosaliina Kauno - Iiris / Camille Auer - Sini / Kaisa-Leena Koskenkorva - Anni

Crew
Director, writer: Lauri-Matti Parppei / Cinematorgrapher: Mikko Parttimaa / Editor: Frida Eggum Michaelsen / Sound: Yngve Leidulv Sætre, Juuso Oksala / Music: Lauri-Matti Parppei / Art Director: Nanna Hirvonen / Producer: Ilona Tolmunen / Production Company: Made / Co-producer: Vincent Saunders / Co-production Company: Goodtime Pictures

Technical Information
Original Title: Jossain on valo joka ei sammu / shot digital / available for screenings in DCP 24 fps / color / 1:1.66 / 111 min / Dolby Stereo - Dolby A - Dolby SR / original language: Finnish with English, French subtitles / Finland, Norway 2025